Published on Aug 17, 1998
I’ve only seen Melissa Etheridge perform live only once, and I
wasn’t even there to see it. Still, she performed “Come To My
Window” at the whenever-Grammys to bring down the Shrine. Audience
reaction and her enthusiasm itself made apparent that she was meant
to perform.
Yes I Am is another launch pad for her live performances
(she toured right before and right after its release). Toggle on
your surround sound, hike up the volume and close your eyes; while
its radio-friendly material gives some glimpses into its live
potential, it doesn’t go all the way most of the time.
The over-longing in “I Will Never Be The Same” sounds too
contrived to be taken seriously. This same forced quality in
“Ruins” and “Talking To My Angel” disappoints the initial
expectation of depth. While Middle America rockers “Come To My
Window” and “All American Girl” are still exciting, it’s not the
same without an audience getting into it.
Still, songs like “I’m The Only One” and “Yes I Am” sound great
in their guitar-focused production. “If I Wanted To” drags a bit
but it’s catchy enough to make good airplay. The most effective
track, however, is “Silent Legacy” with its guiding voice and
moving message of teen sexuality oppression. It delves into what
Etheridge could do, with or without a crowd to connect with.
I’m not really inclined to buy
Your Little Secret (her latest). But I’m all hyped up for
her concert tour.